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Sparsity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sparsity

[ˈspɑːsɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in statistics

Sparsity refers to the property of having very few non-zero elements in a dataset or mathematical structure. It is commonly used in the context of sparse matrices, where most of the elements are zero.

Synonyms

infrequency, rareness, scantiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sparsity

Used when discussing the lack or thin distribution of elements in a certain area or field. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The sparsity of data made it difficult to draw conclusive results.
  • The sparsity of vegetation in the desert is quite remarkable.
scantiness

Often carries a negative connotation, implying an inadequacy or insufficient amount. Used mostly in critical or evaluative scenarios.

  • The scantiness of the food supply raised concerns about the survival of the community.
  • The scantiness of her research left many questions unanswered.
rareness

Used when talking about something that is uncommon or not easily found. It can carry a positive connotation when describing something valuable or special.

  • The rareness of the artifact made it a prized possession for the museum.
  • She marveled at the rareness of the blue diamond.
infrequency

Used to describe events or occurrences that do not happen often over a period of time. Mainly used in everyday language or formal writing.

  • The infrequency of his visits disappointed his family.
  • Infrequency of updates can make a software program obsolete quickly.

Examples of usage

  • The sparsity of the data matrix allowed for efficient storage and computation.
  • Sparse coding techniques take advantage of the sparsity present in the data.
Context #2 | Noun

in everyday language

Sparsity can refer to a state of being scarce or lacking in quantity. It often implies a sense of insufficiency or inadequacy.

Synonyms

dearth, paucity, scarcity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sparsity

Used to describe something that is thinly scattered or few and spread out, often in a physical or spatial sense.

  • The sparsity of trees in the desert made it look vast and empty
  • The sparsity of data points made it difficult to draw an accurate conclusion
scarcity

Implies a limited availability of resources, often leading to higher demand or value. It can be used in economic contexts or everyday situations.

  • Water scarcity is a major issue in many developing countries
  • The scarcity of rare minerals drives up their prices
dearth

Refers to a severe lack or shortage of something, often implying a negative consequence or problem due to the shortage.

  • There is a dearth of affordable housing in the city
  • The dearth of qualified teachers has affected the quality of education
paucity

Used to describe a small or insufficient quantity of something. It often has a formal or academic tone.

  • Research was challenging due to the paucity of empirical data
  • The paucity of food supplies has led to widespread hunger

Examples of usage

  • The sparsity of resources in the region led to widespread poverty.
  • The sparsity of options left us with limited choices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In ecology, sparsity can describe areas that lack vegetation, showcasing the impact of climate or human activity.
  • In statistics, sparsity refers to datasets that have many zero values, indicating information is missing or not present.
  • Researchers explore sparsity in machine learning, where simpler models can often achieve better results with fewer parameters.

Economics

  • In economics, the concept of sparsity relates to resource allocation, where limited resources lead to careful distribution.
  • Sparsity can drive innovation, as businesses strive to do more with less, fostering creativity and efficiency.
  • The famous 'scarcity principle' states that limited availability increases perceived value.

Cultural References

  • Minimalistic design in art and architecture reflects the principle of sparsity, focusing on simplicity and open space.
  • Literature often uses sparsity to evoke feelings of loneliness or isolation through descriptions of empty landscapes.
  • In fashion, a trend for 'less is more' embraces the idea of sparsity, promoting a smaller wardrobe with versatile staples.

Psychology

  • Studies show that experiencing sparsity in one's environment can lead to increased problem-solving and adaptability.
  • The psychological effects of scarcity can create stress, influencing decision-making and behavior patterns.
  • Behavioral economics often examines how individuals react to scarce resources, impacting choices related to spending and saving.

Origin of 'sparsity'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'sparsus', meaning 'scattered or thinly spread'.
  • The term is often used in scientific contexts to describe a lack of density.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the mid-17th century.

The word 'sparsity' originated from the Latin word 'sparsum', which means scattered. It has been used in mathematics and statistics to describe datasets with a low density of non-zero elements. The concept of sparsity has gained importance in various fields such as machine learning, signal processing, and optimization.

See also: sparcity, sparse, sparsely.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,851 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.